AFFORESTATION PROJECT TO IMPROVE BIODIVERSITY FOR COCOA GROWING REGIONS OF ANDHRA PRADESH, TAMIL NADU, KARNATAKA AND KERALA

PROJECT BACKGROUND 

This project considers supporting agroforestry for improving bio-diversity at a farm level (micro level), with many such farms contributing to improving the bio-diversity and tree cover for the village/region. Local tree species (both of fruit & wood variety) considering local climatic conditions will be provided to the farmers along with awareness/training on good agricultural practices (GAP) to help improve the survival rate of the saplings. Planting of fruit & wood species apart from improving bio-diversity will also help improving soil health & structure, reduce erosion and help in carbon sequestration.

OBJECTIVE OF THE PROGRAMME

• Improve bio-diversity and tree cover at a farm level (micro level).
• Through agro-forestry increase the number of tree species (fruit, wood or both) on farm, with number of species chosen basis local climatic conditions and locally relevant tree species.
• Through awareness/training sessions on good agriculture practices for better survival of saplings.

MAJOR INTERVENTIONS & IMPACT OF THE PROGRAM

In Agroforestry project, a total of 12312 farms are planned to be covered in both the phases. Total saplings to be distributed for plantation is 152500 in all the 4 states of India. Till September,2023 7351 units (farms) covered comprising 66313 numbers of fruit and timber plants distributed in 4 Southern States. 126 villages covered under the initiative.